Polenta is an ingredient in my recipe?

Question

I have found a recipe that says 8 oz of quick cook polenta.

What is it and where do I buy it and what does it look like in the packet.

I have seen previous answers that suggests it isi a corn meal, if so how come it is quick cook.

I can't have wheat and just bought a new recipe book.

Thank you

Answer 1

Polenta is essentially corn meal mush. You can buy it in any grocery store these days. True polenta is closer to corn grits than it is to cornmeal, but I have made a completely satisfactory polenta from Quaker cornmeal when I had nothing else. Don't worry about the quick cook bit. All this does is save you some time, it doesn't alter the finished product in any appreciable way that I've found. As you cannot have wheat, this should be a wonderful grain for you, as would millet, kamut, quinoa, amaranth, brown rice and many others. If you are completely in a jam, time wise, almost every grocery store I've ever been in sells ready made polenta in rolls in the refrigerator section of the produce department, near the tofu, tempeh, wonton wrappers, etc. It's about $3, and about 10-12 inches long. Lovely stuff. There's a wonderful recipe for Polenta Parmigiana (sliced grilled or baked polenta w/ fresh marinara sauce and either 3 or 4 Italian cheeses, which is one of the best casseroles I've ever eaten, in the Main Dish /Entree section of the Greens cookbook by Deborah Madison. You're on a wonderful journey. Relax and enjoy the trip! E-mail me if you'd like the recipe or can't find it, and I'll get it to you.

And PS: NO! You do NOT just add boiling water to it and let it sit. You MUST add it to boiling water, broth and/or wine slowly, in a stream, stirring all the while, and stirring all the while whilst it cooks. PLEASE! If you do not know what you're talking about, do NOT give advice on this site. Were she to have followed your advice, she'd have ended up w/ a sticky hardened inedible mess.

Answer 2

Polenta translates as corn meal mush, but it's much more. It's the staple food of the northern Italy, where it still outshines pasta, and can be served in innumerable ways, as a first course, baked, with stews, or even as a bread substitute.

You can get polenta (quick cook and regular) at almost any Italian grocery store. At least that's where I get mine.

Normally you boil it according to the instructions on the box, let it cool and then you're ready to use it in your recipes..

I'm assuming that this is what you recipe calls for.

Enjoy!!

Answer 3

Polenta is a corn meal product (Italian), similar to grits. It is available in a quick cooking variety. Check the label carefully, it thickens very quickly when it starts. You can use water or a chicken or vegetable stock for added flavor. You say - 8 oz., thats a lot, it goes far. Comes in a box or bag, much like corn meal, which you could substitute for the polenta.

Answer 4

Polenta is a popular food dish that has long been common in Italian and other European cuisine, but has recently gained attention in the United States as well. It is made from ground cornmeal, which is then boiled in water to create a porridge-like substance. Depending on the variety, it can be ground either coarsely or finely, and may be made from either yellow or white cornmeal.

Answer 5

It is indeed a sort of corn meal. The real Italina Polenta is very quick to make and also very simple. You can buy it at the supermarket, just ask someone to point it to you. When you cook it, be very careful to watch it, otherwise, it can turn into a clump in no time.

Answer 6

Polenta is a corn meal. You cook it up just like porridge. So there are quick cook and slow cook types, just like porridge. You should be able to buy it at most grocery stores. Italians cool it in a log shape, and then slice it and use it like pasta recipes instead of pasta.

Answer 7

Try the Italian or International section of the grocery store. It's basically like a yellow cornmeal grit mixture but with a finer texture than grits. It's usually prepared with water milk butter and cheese.
Personally, on it's own it's a bit boring but it's great when paired with something.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I can buy it in Tesco. It is beside cous-cous, Quinoa and Bulgar wheat, in the aisle that sells rice. I guess any large supermarket should stock it. Usually you just pour boiling water on it and leave it for about 5 minutes.

Answer 9

It's basically the Italian version of couscous, except it's corn based and not semolina.

Answer 10

You can get it at trader joes or most health stores. It comes in a round tube and in many flavors. I find it by the sauces.